Richard Joseph Blackburn, 76, of Apple Creek passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Shady Lawn Nursing Home.
He was born on October 18, 1946 in Binghamton, NY to Edward and Mildred Adams Blackburn. In 1991 he married Laurie Drouhard. She survives.
Rick owned Hero House since 1975. He loved bowling at Wayne Lanes and his cat. Richard was a lifelong member of Wooster Eagles, and the Wooster American Legion and he attended Grace Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Michael (Shelly) Drouhard and Derek (Melanie) Drouhard all of Apple Creek; grandchildren Kane, Gauge and Kinsley Drouhard; brothers Robert E. (Carol) Blackburn of Florida, William J. (Mikel Ann) Blackburn of Florida, Thomas J. (Margaret) Blackburn of South Carolina, and Michael C. Blackburn of Florida.
Per Rick’s wishes there will be no services.
Special thanks to the staff of Ohio’s Hospice Life Care and Shady Lawn Nursing Home for all of their care.
Memorial contributions can be made to Ohio’s Hospice Life Care, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Laurie & family
Deepest sympathy to you in your loss . Prayers to you
Rick was a big part of my childhood I’ve known him since I was 5 years old he was a big part of our femily him and my dad were very very good friends 🙏 🙏 🙏 for the family
Rick was a big part of my childhood I’ve known him since I was 5 years old he was a big part of our family him and my dad were very very good friends 🙏 🙏 🙏 for the family
Laurie,
I just received a call from a friend in Wooster telling me of Rick’s passing. Heartfelt condolences to you and your family from both Rita and me. We all know what a good man he was and I trust your loving memories will keep you encouraged and strong. Rick was in our wedding in 1972 and it was upon his encouragement we opened the Hero House in 1975. Great memories of a great guy.
Bill and Rita Francavilla
Laurie and family, you have our deepest sympathy in the loss of Rick. I,we, will always remember him. Always did like the man. May you find peace during this difficult time. Deepest sympathy. Bill&Deb
Sending love and prayers to you all. Uncle Rick was a kind and loving man to all and will be missed.
Ann and Kevin Drucker
Sending our condolences. So sorry to hear of your loss. He was a great man. Many prayers to the family during this time. May Rick carry on by watching over all of you. Hugs
You and your family have our deepest sympathy.
Sending our condolences and love your way!!
So sorry to hear about Rick!!! Praying for you all during this time!!!. I met Rick and Laurie when i was 14 and they gave me my first job in Apple Creek. They both were awesome bosses. He sure will be missed!!!!!
Our heartfelt condolences to you Laurie and family.
May your memories give you peace.
Suzan Murphy Hock and the Germans from afar
So sorry Laurie. We enjoyed so much when you and Rick would stop in at Farmer Boy.
Laurie and family, Iam so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and the family. Sending prayers that God gives you strength and peace during this difficult time.
Dee
Sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I know the Yoder family sends their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Remember the great life you shared and memories of Rick.
Dam im so sry what a great man
My Uncle Rick never met a stranger. He was the kind of man that we all strive to be, wether it was a simple smile or the shirt off his back, he exemplified a special brand of kindness.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Laurie and family-
So very sorry Laurie! Condolences and prayers to you and your family!
Condolences to you Laurie and family, Richard was a wonderful kind man. My thoughts for you all, he will be missed Carol
My sincere condolences. My dad, Uncle Ed “Yund” to the old timers at Hero House, loved Rick. I know Ricks been ill for quite some time & now his pain is gone. My heart is with you, Laurie.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this time. May God’s love and peace comfort you.
Prayers to the family. I would always love going to Hero House growing up and seeing Mike behind the counter with a smile on his face working away hard
Laurie and family so sorry to hear about your loss. May your memories bring you comfort and peace. 🙏🙏
Laurie, Mike and Derick, our heartfelt condolences for you guys. Rick was an awesome guy and one of the most kind and gentle guys I know. Be at peace, knowing he’s in heaven now and God‘s taking good care of him. Love to you
Rick was welcomed into our family in 1991 when he and Laurie were married. He was always happy with a big smile for everyone and had so much love for his family. Laurie, we know you will miss him terribly, but you will always have your wonderful memories. Prayers for comfort. We love you!
Laurie and family I will keep in my prayers as you adjust your life’s to living without a great guy.
Laurie and family I will keep you in my prayers as you adjust your life’s to living without a great guy.
Laurie and family. So sorry to read of Rick’s passing. We always loved to come into the Hero House and see everyone and visit and catch up. Your in our prayers.
Rest in peace nephew you will be missed
Laurie, I always enjoyed you and Rick as neighbors, and certainly enjoy visiting the hero house whenever I am home! So sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences to you and your family Laurie. May God comfort each of your hearts at this time and always. Rick was a kind, thoughtful and loving soul. I’m thankful to have known him.
Laurie and family, I am so sorry to hear about Rick. I knew him years ago at Apple Creek Developmental Center. He was well respected and liked by everyone.
My condolences to Rick’s family and the entire Blackburn clan.
Prayers to the family! Chastain and Lehr family.
Laurie Iam so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and the family. Sending prayers that God gives you strength and peace during this difficult time.
When I graduated college, I rented an apartment on highland. There were four apartment connected in the unit. I got to be friends with the two other guys in that block….Brady and Rick. We would go to the local places on weekends, and at the end of the night, on occasion, Rick would let us into the Hero House to make subs to cure our munchies. He was such a kind-hearted person, friends with everyone he met. He loved people and loved having fun. I was fortunate to have known Rick, and I will always cherish those memories. To you, Laurie, and your whole family, my sincere condolences.
We are very sorry for your loss. Sending up prayers from Texas.
Mike & Kaye-Lynn Foley
Laurie,
I am so sorry I just read this online. I remember our good memories together at the lamplighter dances and with Rick. I hope your memories and prayers will get you through the next tough times.
Very sorry for your loss, Rick was a good friend of my parents and family growing up in Wooster, may he rest in peace.
Laurie and kids, I am so sorry to read of Rick’s passing until tonight. Rick and I worked together at ACDC many years ago. He was a fun guy.
I am deeply sorry to hear of Mr. Richard Blackburn passing. I knew him thru he was my boss when I worked at the Hero House in Wadsworth, Ohio 1979.1980. He was intelligent and understanding. A great person to work for and truly a friend. May He Rest
Laurie, my deepest sympathy and condolences go out to you and your family. Rick became my best friend at Cumberland Valley High School after his family moved from Rochester. I was fishing in the Conodoguinet Creek behind their home and cut myself on something. I rang their doorbell to ask for a Band-Aid and Rick answered the door. His mom and dad treated me like a son. I could go on and on. May Rick rest in peace as we commend his soul to God.
He was so nice to me and my family since i was a child sorry to hear he passed our prayers and condolences